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Friendsgiving, Holidays In Alabama — Read on for tips for staying healthy and enjoying yourself during the holidays in Alabama. (Nathan Watson / The Bama Buzz)

I don’t have to be the first to tell you how hectic this time of year is. As soon as we indulge in all the candy Halloween brings, it’s time for Thanksgiving Day spreads and Christmas treats. But, as important as it is to keep healthy habits during the holidays, it’s also important that you enjoy yourself!

We found a few tips for mindful eating this season—keep reading to see how you can feel your best through all the family gatherings and parties in the next few months.

Healthier People Are Happier People - Bluecross Blueshield Of Alabama

Stay mindful during Alabama holiday parties

Chews Wisely Alabama Tailgate — Add some color and nutrition to your holiday spread. (Jacob Blankenship / The Bama Buzz)

The holiday season means a lot of family gatherings and a lot of food on the table.

While it’s fun to look forward to your favorite traditional dishes, it can also be a little stressful if you’re also trying to monitor what you eat.

But here’s the thing: You should enjoy the holidays and not have to anxiously stare at a plate of cookies deciding whether or not to take one. We all have our favorite treats we look forward to around this time.

Adam Britt, a local dietitian, weighed in on a few of his tips for mindfulness during this season.

“Mindfulness is one of the most important factors. Because it’s the holidays, there might be a lot of extra dishes that you don’t want to miss. But we can step back and say, ‘What would I enjoy the most?'”
Adam Britt, in-network provider + registered dietitian, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

Here’s what Adam suggests for being wise about enjoying your food:

Take time to think when filling your plate: Get what you want, but portion it out.
Eat slowly: Give yourself time to realize that you’re full + won’t go back for seconds.

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring. Try these healthy swaps at your holiday parties.

Balance your diet with enough exercise

Bcbsal Fitness Court — Find a way to get active this season. (Jacob Blankenship / The Bama Buzz)

Let’s face it: We’re all guilty of overeating at least once around this time of year. All the family recipes come together throughout Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s parties, and you want to enjoy all of it!

Trust me, I get it. Which is why it’s important that we keep our bodies moving.

Adam suggests finding whatever works for your life and schedule, and just going for it. Identify your goal and see how you can accomplish it while also enjoying your life.

For me, that typically looks like a walk around my neighborhood. Maybe for you it’s a class or an at-home routine (especially helpful while the weather gets colder in Alabama).

There are tons of turkey trots and races happening statewide. Check out six in the Greater Birmingham area.

Enjoy the holidays in Alabama!

Christmas Bar In Birmingham — You can stay healthy and still have fun during the holidays in Alabama. (Jacob Blankenship / The Bama Buzz)

My biggest takeaway: Don’t get too down if you mess up during the holidays!

“Regardless of how the holidays go for you, keep in mind that tomorrow is a new beginning.”
Adam Britt, in-network provider + registered dietitian, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

Alabama is full of great (and healthy) places to eat, beautiful places to walk outside and local supportive gyms and fitness studios. You can always pick yourself back up, and you’ve got a great community to help you.

Check out this video + find more resources for enjoying the holidays through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.

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